Visitors looking to explore Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and Gans Creek Wild Area will need to reschedule their plans for the beginning of November. In an effort to manage the local deer population, which has swelled to levels that pose a threat to the ecosystem, the park will be closed on Nov. 3, and Nov. 4. According to an announcement from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, a managed deer hunt has been deemed necessary.
The collaboration between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation aims to restore balance to the park's wildlife. During the closure, hunters selected by the Missouri Department of Conservation, will utilize muzzleloaders to cull the population. Park officials are heeding a warning to potential visitors that for their own safety, they should avoid the area on these days and that, if they do show up, they will be turned away.
While Missouri state parks generally serve as sanctuaries where hunting is not allowed, exceptions are made when ecological stability is at risk. A detailed study of the park's deer population indicated a significant imbalance with too many deer per acre, which can lead to problems for other species and vegetation. According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the response is a carefully controlled hunt to eliminate just enough deer to help level the field.
For outdoor enthusiasts planning visits to any of Missouri's state parks, the Department of Natural Resources suggests checking the Park and Site Status Map on their website before traveling. The map provides timely updates about any closures, like the one at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, located at 5901 S. Highway 163, outside of Columbia. Regular park operations are expected to resume immediately following the conclusion of the two-day hunt.
